Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf (Mk7 2013-2020) review – design

The Volkswagen Golf defines the family hatchback class, for good reason

Evo rating
RRP
from £17,785
  • Quality, space, refinement, performance
  • Everyone’s got one

How do you sum up a design as familiar as the Golf's? Some might use the word "boring", and it's true that there are plenty of rivals offering more intriguing shapes, but pragmatically few of the Mk7 Golf's rivals will age anything like as well and even fewer can trace their family lineage so consistently back through the decades.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Instantly recognisable, the Golf’s never been too radical a looker and this one is no different. It’s a handsome car though, the bold crease under the door handles and neatly detailed front and rear lights are nice touches. There are even some surprises; the designer’s playfulness is apparent in those headlights, where a couple of VW emblems form part of the unit. GT and R-Line models really up the visual appeal, adding more sporting looks and bringing bigger wheel options.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vantage S review – does it offer enough to take on Porsche's 911 Turbo S
Aston Martin Vantage S front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vantage S review – does it offer enough to take on Porsche's 911 Turbo S

Tweaks to the chassis and aero, plus more power and attitude – in S form, one of our favourite Astons promises even bigger thrills
15 Apr 2026
Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 RS Nürburgring lap proves 1250bhp isn’t enough
Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 RS Nurburgring lap
News

Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 RS Nürburgring lap proves 1250bhp isn’t enough

The 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the Manthey Racing kit has finally recorded an official Nürburgring time, and it makes Corvette’s 1250bhp ZR1X look a …
17 Apr 2026
The Porsche 911 GT4 Challenge is coming, and it might be the most confusing model ever
Porsche 911 GT4 Challenge
Spy shots

The Porsche 911 GT4 Challenge is coming, and it might be the most confusing model ever

Porsche is readying its replacement for the Cayman GT4 Clubsport racer, the 911 GT4, and we’ve spotted it completing its final testing ahead of its la…
14 Apr 2026